"Chronic stress is stress that lasts weeks, months or even years"
When I think about chronic stress it reminds me of that saying…
“God never gives you anything more than you can handle”
My response is always just because I look like from the outside I can handle anything, doesn’t mean it is easy…
On my journey as a mum to a child with additional needs, our eldest daughter was diagnosed with both Epilepsy and Autism. Our youngest daughter had a critical event that landed her in critcal care in the hospital and was touch and go…
I have been asked so many times over the years…
“How do you do it?”
My answer is always…
“I don’t have a choice”
I had to learn how to carry it, it is not going anywhere anytime soon…
I have gone from been a special needs mum to a child, to a carer of my adult daughter…
So the chronic stress has become the fabric of my life and I had to learn how to carry it within my physical body with minimal effects.
I carry it well but not without detriment...
As I mentioned I carry it well and am asked “how I do it”, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t without detriment to my emotional, mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing…
Chronic stress levels can have a detrimental and long lasting affect on your physical body…
Our physical bodies were absolutely not made to endure the kind of mental and emotional anguish we are all dealing with.
We ask the question as a society “why is there so much disease, in particular autoimmune diseases?”
My answer and what I have experienced personally and seen professionally with my clients is…
Chronic stress levels playing havoc on our physical bodies.
Our bodies are amazing and capable of so much and in my opinion a beautiful well of knowledge and wisdom…
But that has been buried and quietened by the burdens we are asking it to carry, the heaviness of our high stress lives and the inability to process our experiences.
What does Chronic Stress look like on our bodies...
I’ll use myself as an example to help you to understand and identify within yourself what chronic stress may look like for you too…
In the early days of my daughters diagnosis with epilepsy, I just took it all on…
There was so much that needed to happen for her physical wellbeing, followed closely by her emotional wellbeing…
So I internalised it all, doing everything I needed to do, with no real consideration for my own wellbeing…
There just wasn’t time…
My energy levels were at an all time low, chronically low…
My emotions were right at the surface and tiny things would trigger me…
My liver and kidney’s were not functioning well…
My cortisol (stress hormone) levels were off the charts…
The weight was piling on, despite the fact I was attending cycle classes at the gym 3-4 times a week…
My body was screaming out to me in so many different ways, and I just kept piling more and more on top of it…
Does this story resonate or feel familiar to you?
Our bodies can only take so much before they rebel and will do what they have to, to get your attention….
There will always be something that gets your attention from your body, for me it was migraines, always stopped me in my tracks…
What about you, what stops you in your tracks and makes you rest?
As human beings we will do what we have to, to move away from pain and our bodies have learned that lesson….
A little like a baby learning when it cries, mum or dad will attend to them…
Our bodies are no different, albeit a little more wise, they will do what they have to, to survive.
It is your job to start to connect more with your body, listen to her or him and heed the message
Chronic Stress can lead to Chronic Dis-ease in your body...
Left unchecked carrying chronic stress in your body, can lead to chronic dis-ease…
So instead of waiting for the pain aka dis-ease to hit, why not cut it off at the pass…
And you do that by learning and teaching your body to carry your high stress levels in a better way…
Not allowing it to be all encompassing, but something you are able to manage.
Steps to Carrying Chronic Stress:
I am not one to tell you to eradicate stress in your life, as you have seen with my life, I know that is unrealistic…
We have challenging lives and our deeply empathic heart will always call to help and support others…
So let’s look at how you can carry the weight of your life a little easier…
- Acknowledge your body, don’t take her/him for granted
- Listen to your body, what is she/he telling you, what is the message?
- Accept your chronic stress levels, yes I said accept, as you accept them the easier they will be to incorporate into the fabric of your life
- Implement strategies to reduce the intensity of your stress responses. I have many articles here to help you with that.
- There are two strategies in particular that made a massive difference to me and that is EFT Tapping and Journaling.
Quick Start Guide to Journaling
Get the "Quick Start Guide to Journaling" for a simple and effective way to start your journaling journey. With step-by-step instructions, you'll discover various journaling types, find writing prompts to inspire you, and get practical tips to build a daily journaling practice. Unearth new insights and experience self-growth with this ultimate journaling tool today.
I invite you to download my free comprehensive EFT Tapping guide to get you started...
I am very aware that my approach is very different when it comes to chronic stress and I am sure you have heard many different ideas from many different experts.
I also know from personal experience that an open and truthful approach is needed in todays world.
My hope is that this has been enlightening for you and a refreshing approach that will support you.
How you can work with me privately:
I offer 1-1 private Holistic Counselling that is provided online from the comfort of your home. Giving you the space you need to uncover what is causing your emotional turmoil.
As a highly sensitive woman and/or empath it is important for you to feel supported and learn more and understand more about your unique gift.
I am passionate about supporting you to move through empathy burnout and thrive as the deeply empathic woman you are.
Book your free virtual coffee chat.
